Starloz™ - The Health and Lifestyle Blog by Laura

Hey there - My little blog has been in extreme hibernation.

I have been THROUGH it... but haven't we all?

My last post was in the peek of the Covid Pandemic, and life was hard to live at that point. The pandemic changed everybody in so many different ways and whilst it feels like a blur, it definitely impacted who I am today.

Speaking of which, who am I today? I am a 36-year-old who lives with her Fiancé and our puppy. We moved in together in October 2022 and bought our puppy Ivy home on February 14th 2023. We became engaged in September of 2023 and are planning our wedding.

Hey.Hi.Hello! - It has been yet another few months and I know better than to try and explain where I have been.

New South Wales has been in a restrictive lockdown since July 2021 and this particular lockdown with the Delta variant has been extremely difficult for the majority of us. I am personallly horrified by the huge case numbers we are currently experiencing (1,215 local cases today) and as the numbers are remaining high, I am proudly continuing to stay at home.

I am personally FULLY vaccinated and in all honesty, you should be too. Proudly, NSW has hit 6.4 million Covid-19 vaccinations and I cannot believe how quickly we are reaching these large numbers, unlike other countries in the world.

Hi there - Hello... Where does one even begin? - This year, which we are calling "2020", has definitely been an interesting one!

Well, well, well... The global pandemic has completely flipped our lives upside down - It is safe to say, we are all doing the best we can to mentally survive the situation we are in with Coronavirus (COVID-19). We have found and are living our new "normal" and we are continually adapting to the ever changing challenges this virus has thrown our way.

Since we last spoke (or shared a cup of coffee!), I have started my Master's Degree and whilst it has been solely taught through online learning, I am simultaneously loving it and finding it very strange at the same time... I am undertaking a Masters of Brain and Mind Sciences through The University of Sydney which is my way of pursuing my interest in the human mind - As a friend of mine says "You will be a Master Mind when you graduate" and I will never stop finding that funny.

I have found various ways to mentally cope with having a pre-existing condition during a pandemic - My spinal cord injury is associated with a reduced lung capacity... It has and always will be a struggle but this pandemic has been stressful for absolutely everyone and I know we are all going through this together.

Life has completely changed for us and we are all doing our best to cope with our new normal...

Hello there, how are you going this afternoon? - I am back with my a foodie post from a VERY very long time ago.

This meal was one where I decided to treat my mother to a night out on the town, celebrating delicious food at Glebe Point Diner (one of her favourite restaurants). On this particular occasion, it was a very warm summer evening and we dined right next to an open window and we were accompanied by a warm breeze.

My mother ordered their yellowfin tuna crudo with pickled chilli, chive and finger lime because she is absolutely obsessed with tuna... I ordered their fried Spencer Gulf squid with parsley and aioli, as I have instant squid cravings whenever I see it listed on a menu.

We shared this salad of burrata, tomatoes, basil (and crumbles, which I did not write down and cannot remember what they originated from). It was a refreshing taste which complimented the other flavours of our meals.

For mains, we ordered their market fish with cuttlefish, snow peas, napa cabbage and green onion butter plus their ricotta gnocchi with king brown mushrooms, black russian tomatoes, cavalo nero, black garlic and reggiano.

We were in food heaven with this entire meal - Everything from texture to flavour to creativity in presentation was "on point!" and we throughly enjoyed each mouthful we tasted with these meals... We both tasted each item we ordered because sharing an abundance of food, is pure joy.

Hello there!

I know I have been gone for an exceptional amount of time and I know this is not the first time I have done this - For the longest time, writing on my blog felt like it was something I "used to do" and I was genuinely okay with that... Until today...

I was going about my afternoon like I usually do, and I then begun thinking about what it is that I enjoy doing each day. Initially, my mind started spinning out of control with thoughts upon thoughts and I mindfully took several deep breaths, hoping to calm my mind. After some time, I was finally able to make some sense of my thoughts.

I enjoy the beach... I really like being near the beach (The above photo was taken at Coogee Beach, Sydney, Australia).

I like the consistent nature of the water moving towards the sand and I especially like watching the sunset over the water. The contrast of colours created by the sunset, signifying the end of another day and the incredible notion that another day is coming... Another day to be "the me" that I want to be. Another opportunity to see the next day, to choose to be kind in a situation, to enhance the life of somebody you care about, to be somebodies reason to smile.

Hello hello hello!!!! - I did my infamous disappearing act again!!!!

Let us get over the uncomfortable part and I will start with... I am really sorry and I won't be leaving for such an extended period of time again BECAUSE it is "Summer Holidays" for the university students here in Sydney, Australia.

Hello there, how are you going?

Let us move onto this year’s EPIC 30th Birthday celebrations...

As you may remember from my last post I mentioned I began, on the night of my birthday (May 23), with dinner with my bestie Erin. We had a Japanese feast at Kura, the local Japanese restaurant I am slightly obsessed with. On the weekend following my birthday (May 26), I had a massive birthday dinner at The Potting Shed in Alexandria with 25 of my family and special friends where we enjoyed a set menu to die for... I ended my incredible birthday month with a beautiful dinner at The Boathouse on Blackwattle Bay with my mother.

As per my usual antics, I celebrated with my loved ones over many days at varying venues because birthday celebrations are my favourite type of celebrations! - I have not felt as much love as I did on my 30th birthday thanks to all my beloved friends and family.

Ohhhh, hello there and happy Sunday to you!

As a belated birthday gift, my mother's best friend, Sandra, and her daughter Rachel, took me out for a birthday brunch (with my mother too!!!) at one of our favourite cafe's in Marrickville - Petty Cash Cafe...

Upon arriving, we secured the "prime location" in the sun where our table was sun-soaked during a warmer winter's day. After spending an excessive amount of time chatting and catching up on each of our lives, we placed our orders and basked in the sunshine. // The food arrived with a smile and we simply couldn't wait to dig in... Everything we ordered was lovely, the staff went above and beyond with service by separating all the wet ingredients exactly as we discussed and their kindness made us all feel comfortable during our brunch.

For brunch, I ordered their generous portion of corn fritters with tomato plus a side of poached egg and smoked salmon (essentially, I ordered all the sides!!)... My gorgeous mother ordered their rosti with salad plus a side of avocado and tomato - We both felt that we made solid choices.

This quirky cafe has such an inviting vibe and every visit is fulled with an abundance of generosity from the staff which makes for such an enjoyable experience - I can't wait to head back!!!

OH MY GOSH... I turned 30 years old in May - I still can't believe it.

I don't know how I feel about this moment in my life. I think turning thirty was meant to feel monumental... It did and it didn't, which was surprising to me.

Entering another decade has felt a little like receiving an emotional smack in the face - I always had visions of being an adult with substantially larger responsibilities than the ones I currently have... Realistically, I know I am an adult, but I always imagined being 30 would feel very different than it actually does.

... Hello there, oh my, I cannot believe I have been gone from this little blogging home of mine for such a loooonnnng time... This past month literally flew by and I cannot even remember where all of the time went, but I'll try explaining.

1. UNIVERSITY - Takes over in a way I cannot possibly describe to you. Before you know it, it has been an entire month and you have a bucket load of unread texts, calls and emails you don't even remember receiving. // This semester really started with a BANG, and it has yet to give up, it has been intensely full on and I cannot even remember a time when I haven't been busy.

2. LIFE - I have the biggest pile of paperwork which I'm progressively working my way through. It has literally become the bane of my existence and I cannot seem to get on top of things. This "Adulting" thing I'm doing (we're all doing!) is really flipping hard. I saw a post on twitter the other day which sums up exactly how I’m feeling right now. It said "As an adult, I can now understand why my parents were always so angry, mad and sad, when I was a child" – To be honest, truer words have never been written.

3. FOOD – Well, well, well… The last two weeks have been a mishmash and I don’t even know why it has happened this way. Honestly, it hasn’t been THAT bad, it has been weird, are you ready for it??? - I have been living on avocado toast, various nuts, caffeine, way too much caffeine and fruit salad. // I have barely wanted to eat anything and I’ve been eating because I know that I “have” to eat… It is weird and I’m working on trying to figure out why this has been happening!!!

Hello there, how are you and what have you been up too?

I've started back at university for the semester and I am working on getting myself into a healthier university/life routine. I want to ensure I have enough time to focus on the aspects of my life which are important to me whilst undertaking my studies... I am slowly adjusting and I have to say, it sure is a work in progress!

Whilst I was still on holidays, I caught up with my good friend Erin to enjoy lunch at the beautiful The Clean Treats Factory in Alexandria - This venue is such a gem in Alexandria as it is hidden within the industrial area. Upon entering the building you are in awe by how gorgeous and bright this space truly is... Oh my gosh, every which way you direct your glance, something exciting catches your eye.

Ohhhh, Monday, hello Monday!! - How was your weekend? Mine was lovely as I was able to see a few friends!!!

With Pyrmont being the suburb I live in, I consider myself very lucky to not only be close to the city, but lucky to be able to experience the huge amount of amazing food locations I have on offer... A few weeks ago, I ventured out with my two friend's Katie and Rachel for brunch and we went to Bar Zini for some delicious food on a warm/sunny summers day!

Hi there!!! - It is Friday and somehow, I am shocked (yet again). These weeks continue to feel like they are flying by and before I know it, we have reached yet another weekend... I digress, I am here to speak about this Pad Thai.

Ohhhh, beloved Pad Thai. Who doesn't love Pad Thai??

If you are even remotely familiar with me and my eating habits, you will already know that I absolutely love ordering Pad Thai, with prawns (and extra herbs). When I am in the mood for Thai food, I will be ordering myself Pad Thai… It is definitely my go-to meal when I am feeling like a slightly naughtier treat (in the form of carbs upon carbs upon carbs - Gosh, I just love carbs!!).

Hey there, hello and happy Monday!!! - It is the beginning of another week, how can you not love the start of another new week?

I had a rather mild weekend and it was somehow perfect. I was able to catch up with a few of my close friends which was absolutely delightful because I simply adore catching up with my friends.

Whilst having lunch with my friend Michelle, we were talking about naughty treats and I suggested that we try Gathered Kitchen... I have been following Gathered Kitchen online for quite sometime now and I FINALLY made my way down there for a delicious vegan treat. I ordered their pandan lemongrass vegan waffles and OHMYGOSH, I really loved them. Due to their deliciousness, I made the decision that I am a true waffle fan!! - Just look at them, they are gorgeous.

Hello there, I’m back, after a rather long, and unintentional break...

There is only so much time in a day, and since there is only one of me, i haven’t quite figured out how to fit everything in to those measly 24 hours. Trust me, it feels incredible to be back. // It sure has been a whirlwind of a January for me and whilst I have not had specific things going on, I sure have been busy... However, I would also classify this as a one of the "calmer one" - It has felt like a breath of fresh air!

Hello there… What has been happening with you recently? – How was your weekend?

I’ve been taking everything rather easily over the last few weeks and whilst it has been delightful to be in “holiday mode”, I think I’m finally getting over it and I’m ready to give myself a kick start into 2018… It feels a lot like it is the time to get into the rhythm of the new year and I’m definitely ready for it!

Ages and ages ago, I caught up with my university friends Miss.P and Miss.F for an afternoon chitchat at a local pub, where we had cider and snacks. // I have to admit, these photos (and this post) are severely outdated because this hotel has since been renamed and rebranded so I’m clearly way behind on my blog posts for the time being…

For the record, this venue is now White Cockatoo.

HELLO HELLO... Hello there!! - How are you? What is new?

I've been insanely busy catching up with everything that is associated with the New Year. // It has been a slight whirlwind of a start for the year. Trust me when I say, I cannot believe we are living in the year known as 2018. // Like, WHAT?? How is it 2018, how?